THIS SEASON AT BALMAIN

Olivier Rousteing continues to hone his vision of Balmain this season, and the results are both stunning and sartorial. This collection was presented in the Palais Garnier, a homage to Rousteing’s childhood spent dreaming of becoming a designer after he witnessed a ballet performance there. He’s come a long way while heading Balmain, and we’ve come to rely on the contoured silhouettes that are equal parts flattering and commanding. Fringed texture (a subtle touch of Americanism) made a more prominent appearance, adding tactile allure to T-shirts and blazers alike. Though sharp shoulders were ever present, we find ourselves drawn to the designer’s double-breasted, off-the-shoulder, suit-style dress – its pulled-down, relaxed impression puts a new spin on sultry.

THE BALMAIN STORY

Founder Pierre Balmain’s design vision was of femininity and opulence. His beautifully embroidered creations with nipped-in waists and longer, fuller skirt shapes were worn by icons ranging from Audrey Hepburn to Ava Gardner, Josephine Baker and Brigitte Bardot. Today, under the direction of hugely acclaimed Olivier Rousteing, Balmain’s decadent design codes are still intact, but infused with a rock’n’roll, even hip-hop attitude and muses such as Rihanna and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley among the unofficial brand ambassadors.